Tough Lightweight Composite LCU 1600 Hull Extensions to Increase Speed

KaZaK Composites with Gibbs and Cox propose several LCU 1600 hull modifications to increase hull speed and reduce inter-hull turbulence. The concepts presented are not self exclusionary, a combination of concepts may provide the hydrodynamic benefits to meet a 30% increase in LCU hull speed. CFD modeling (computational fluid dynamic) of the various options individually and where feasible in combination will assist in prioritizing projected hydrodynamic performance. In addition to meeting performance requirements, selected hull augmentations must meet the following; minimize effects to payload capacity, permit unimpeded movement of vessels to and from the beach, return hull back to original un-deployed state for the purposes of stowage, modify hull form while in-situ and minimize manpower or time to implement. By engaging both composites and ship structures engineering companies as team members, KaZaK and the Navy are insured that developing designs will consider and address all important ship and systems requirements. In Phase I KaZaK and our team members will perform extensive design studies, including finite element analysis of critical load conditions, dynamic modeling, CFD modeling to validate performance predictions. Such an analytical approach will reduce Navy risk in Phase II.